Heard a Tom gobbling behind work this morning. Sure made me wish I was in the woods instead of at work but oh well. 

missedagain - I remember about 10-20 years ago, it seemed like nearly every other field I would drive by had 30 to 40 birds in it. 

I'm not seeing anything near that these days while driving around and scouting and also including time spent in the tree bowhunting.

I don’t think overall numbers are down. Definitely think the hen to Tom ratio has gotten worse. Way too many hens. I’d actually be in favor of some either sex tags being issued in spring. 

Does anybody think that Turkey numbers are declining in the southern part of Wisconsin in the last 5 years or so?

Or is it just me? 

Saw a Tom  in full display afternoon amongst a group of hens! Marionette  county.

Is this new? I don't remember hearing this before.

Ruffled, 

 "Public" land is a very broad term. 

Per WI hunting regs: 

"It is illegal to: 

Hunt game birds or wild turkey with lead or other toxic shot while on federal Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs)."

 Reads like it is acceptable to use lead shot on Federal, State, County, + public owned / managed lands that are not designated as WPAs. 

 That said, there may be local restrictions that would not be listed in the State regs.

 Be safe and good luck this spring!